Regarding Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) in exhibits:

 

This is a bit of text from the fabulous UCDavis green design wiki. http://www.greendesignwiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

 

http://www.greendesignwiki.com/index.php?title=Lighting#Compact_Fluorescent_.28CFL.29

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)

"For each incandescent you replace with a CFL, you will reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by over 700 pounds over the life of the bulb. While CFLs will cost you more per bulb, they can last up to thirteen times longer than incandescents, and use 75% less energy, ultimately saving money." Excerpt from the National Geographic Green Guide

 

Disadvantages to Consider: "Although fluorescent lamps are common in most institutions, they have decided disadvantages in exhibit areas. Fluorescents cannot be dimmed, and most emit UV radiation. There are many brands of fluorescent lamps, however, and they vary greatly in the amount of UV they produce, from 0.5% to 12%. Purchase those with low UV output, not more than 2% UV.1 For added safety, cover all fluorescent tubes with UV-filtering plastic sleeves. Be sure the sleeves are long enough to cover the ends of the tube, where much of the UV is emitted." Guidelines from the Northeast Document Conservation Center.

 

 

Also

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in its museums, has had good results with sensors on traditional lights as a way to reduce energy use and cooling costs. That and changing habits of when the lights are actually turned on for the day (wait until guests arrive…don’t just switch on the banks with the first arrival of security).  Their conservator of exhibits, Patty Silence, is really cool.

 

 

Sarah S. Brophy, LEED-AP

208 S. Aurora Street

Easton, MD 21601

410-822-1076 (phone and fax)

Website:  www.bmuse.net  

Wiki:  http://greenmuseums.wetpaint.com/

 

The Green Museum:  A Primer on Environmental Practice

By Sarah Brophy and Elizabeth Wylie